Bear hunts draw outrage

DEC announcement of large harvest angers Manhattan legislator

Published 8:47 pm, Sunday, April 24, 2016

A black bear about 60 feet up in a tree behind 44 Rose Court Tuesday May 27, 2014, in Albany, NY. Police and officers with the Department of Environmental Conservation estimate the bear weighs about 175 pounds.(John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

A black bear about 60 feet up in a tree behind 44 Rose Court Tuesday May 27, 2014, in Albany, NY. Police and officers with the Department of Environmental Conservation estimate the bear weighs about 175 ... more

The DEC's acting Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release that the flourishing population provides "increased opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers alike to enjoy these important species. DEC's science based management strategies are working to maintain the bear population and allow for expanded hunting opportunities."

But a state legislator from Manhattan says that's "sick" and "appalling."

"In a perverse twist of its mission, the DEC, the state agency charged with protecting and managing wildlife, is manipulating the bear population just to provide hunters with more targets and opportunities to kill them," said Democratic Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. "There is nothing scientific about propagating a species for the express purpose of killing it. This is sick and the DEC has absolutely nothing about which to be proud."

Rosenthal questioned why a state agency would take an active role in creating a larger population of bears whose sole purpose is to be born in order to be killed.

Locally, nine bears were taken in Albany County, seven in Saratoga, 19 in Rensselaer, 14 in Columbia, 16 in Warren, 66 in Greene and 18 in Washington, according to the DEC.

Bear feeding advisory

The DEC on Friday issued an advisory about removing potential food sources to keep from having bear contacts. The state is home to 6,000 to 7,000 bears that emerge from winter dens and need to replenish their body fat.

Bears can obtain all of the food they need from the forest, but are attracted by bird feeders, garbage cans, Dumpsters, grills, unsecured out-buildings or vehicles containing food or waste. The DEC says it is dangerous and illegal to intentionally feed bears.

The DEC suggests:

• If you believe bears are being fed or suspect a nuisance bear situation, report it to DEC.

• Take down bird feeders after April 1. Birds do not need supplemental food in the spring and summer.

• Clean off barbecue grills before nightfall and if possible, store grills inside.

• Store garbage in a secure building or location, secure can lids with ropes/bungees/chains; never over-fill cans, and dispose of garbage as frequently as possible.

• If you live in an area where bears may appear, put garbage containers out by the curb just before the scheduled pick-up.

• If you live in a densely populated bear area, consider using a certified bear-resistant garbage container.